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Muhurat trading session yields gains despite volatile annual performance

India's traditional Diwali trading hour consistently delivers positive returns, though annual market performance tells a more complex story for investors seeking longer-term gains.

LSN India · 6 November 2026

Muhurat trading session yields gains despite volatile annual performance

The muhurat trading session, a cherished market tradition observed on Diwali, has maintained its reputation as a reliable source of short-term gains for Indian investors. The 60-minute trading window, held during the festival celebrations, has demonstrated consistent positive returns throughout its history, reinforcing its cultural and commercial significance in the Indian financial calendar.

However, market analysts caution that the optimism generated by the muhurat session's steady short-term performance masks more volatile patterns when viewed across full calendar years. While traders celebrate their Diwali-day profits, the broader annual performance of Indian markets often diverges significantly from the positive momentum captured during this symbolic trading hour.

Investors and market observers note that the muhurat session serves primarily as a ceremonial marker of prosperity and new beginnings rather than a reliable indicator of sustained market strength. The tradition, rooted in Hindu customs that mark auspicious timing for new ventures, continues to attract participation from retail and institutional investors seeking to commence their financial year on a fortuitous note.

Financial advisors recommend that investors view the muhurat session within the context of comprehensive portfolio strategies rather than as a standalone predictor of market direction. The divergence between short-term muhurat gains and longer-term annual returns underscores the importance of maintaining disciplined investment approaches throughout the year, regardless of festival-season optimism.